2023 Daikin Air Conditioner Review, Prices & Buying Guide (2024)

Your complete Daikin air conditioner buying guide, including top models, prices, SEER ratings, features, warranty info, and more.

This Daikin brand air conditioner review will talk about the brand’s pros and cons, discuss their model tiers, compare all their current models, explain what their exclusive features really are, talk about how their warranty stacks up against the competition, and tell you what real Canadian consumers and HVAC dealers say about the brand.

Upgrading your air conditioner can save you money by reducing your energy consumption, improve the air quality in your home, make your home more comfortable by providing more even temperature control, and increase the control you have over your cooling system.

But there are hundreds of makes and models to choose from, and determining which one is right for your home requires time and research.

For that reason, we’ve put together this convenient guide that will tell you everything you need to know about Daikin air conditioners, the different models that are available, great features to look for, and more.

Also Read: The Best Central Air Conditioners for Canadians

Review of Daikin’s Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Daikin is a mid-range brand, so that means you can find an affordable cooling option even among their premium models. They have a wide selection of air conditioners to choose from, and they’re all designed for durability, reliability, and energy efficiency.

They have a good range of air conditioner types, including single-stage, more efficient two-stage, and premium variable-speed models with inverter technology, as well as units that are designed for smaller spaces.

Plus, they have a wide range of efficiency options, with SEER ratings ranging from 14.5 to 24.5, including several ENERGY STAR® models, and that can mean higher rebate eligibility.

Daikin has incorporated a lot of desirable design elements into their air conditioners, including more advanced scroll compressors, self-diagnostics, and features to reduce noise, increase longevity, and protect their A/Cs from damage and the elements. What's more, you don’t necessarily have to buy a premium-tier unit to get these features.

Daikin also offers some of the best warranty coverage in the business, so you can rest easy knowing your investment is covered.

Room for Improvement

Daikin focuses most of their energy on building lasting and high-quality cooling products, but as a result, they don’t pay much attention to new technologies, additional features, and innovative systems the way some HVAC manufacturers do.

While this translates to more affordable cooling systems, it also means the company is lacking some of the trendy and cutting-edge features that some customers are really drawn to.

That being said, the few attractive design features they offer are the ones that really matter, like variable-speed compressors with inverter technology. Moreover, all of their premium-tier units are compatible with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, which can give you access to some more advanced options.

Another thing about Daikin is they have a reputation for being choosey about who sells their products, so you might have to talk to a few HVAC dealers before you find one that can set you up with a Daikin air conditioner.

Bottom Line

A Daikin air conditioner is an excellent choice if your main goals are efficiency, reliability, quality, and affordability.

They have a number of great options that could suit just about every house in Canada, even if their cooling systems don’t have some of the novel features and technologies that other manufacturers are offering.

However, Daikin outfits all their air conditioners with high-quality design features, and they stand behind all their products with a great warranty, even their value-tier models.

Daikin is a little more expensive than the economy brands out there, but they're still relatively affordable, especially if you opt for a high-efficiency model with ENERGY STAR certification that'll have high rebate eligibility. Plus, for the extra money you can get a high-quality air conditioner that’s built to operate efficiently and deliver excellent performance for many years.

➤ Get the BEST Prices on Daikin air conditioners: Fill out a free quote request here

Daikin Air Conditioner Model Series Overview

Value Tier: Single-Stage Models

Daikin’s value-tier air conditioners are the models that end with SA and SN. These are budget-friendly cooling systems that don’t require you to sacrifice reliability and quality for the sake of a lower price point.

All the value-tier models are single-stage air conditioners, and they have SEER ratings ranging from 14.5 to 16. Only the high-efficiency 16-SEER model has ENERGY STAR certification. The rest are mid-efficiency models that won’t save you quite as much on energy bills over the years.

You do have to be careful with mid-efficiency single-stage air conditioners because they might not be powerful or efficient enough to cool some homes thoroughly or cost-effectively. However, if one of these models is right for your home, then you can still expect lower energy bills versus older units.

Despite being more basic air conditioners, all of Daikin’s value-tier models come with excellent warranties, they're built to withstand the elements, including the sun and the cold, and they’re also designed for quiet operation.

Premium-Tier: Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Models

Many HVAC manufacturers have three distinct tiers into which their air conditioners can be divided, but it’s better to think of Daikin models in terms of value tier and premium tier.

Their premium-tier air conditioners are high-efficiency two-stage and variable-speed models with SEER ratings between 17 and 24.5, and most of them are ENERGY STAR certified.

Not only will they help to cut your summer cooling bills, but there's also a good chance they’ll qualify for cost-saving rebates that could offset the higher cost compared to the value-tier models. Plus, they're all well-equipped to meet even the most rigorous cooling demands of any Canadian home.

These models have all the same high-quality design features as the value models and more. They're all compatible with advanced diagnostics systems and with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, they have additional features to reduce noise, and they come with an even more comprehensive warranty.

Model Breakdown and Comparison

What are Warranty and Overall Grades? These grades are calculated using FurnacePrices.ca's own proprietary algorithm which weighs a range of criteria to generate an easy-to-compare score.

Warranty Grades take into account several warranty terms & exclusions found in the fine print to make it easier for ordinary homeowners to compare warranty coverage without having to tediously dig through dense warranty documents.

Overall Grades weigh general factors like efficiency and features, as well as the warranty grade. Note that a model with a low grade is not necessarily a bad choice (more affordable models will usually always score lower). The grades are meant more to make it easier to compare the relative strength of different models. A high end model will score better but also cost a lot more and not necessarily be the ideal option for everyone, just like a sports car will score higher than a minivan in many aspects but isn't necessarily the ideal choice for the average family (despite what your significant other may try to argue!)

Daikin Fit

Read Full Daikin Fit Review

The Daikin Fit is a compact cooling system that’s easy to install, can be connected to existing duct systems, and is perfect for smaller homes and spaces. It’s at once affordable and durable, and thanks to the variable-stage compressor with inverter technology, it can keep your home cooler while also saving you money on energy costs. Plus, the self-diagnostic control board makes maintenance, troubleshooting, and upkeep a breeze. This model is also compatible with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, which can give you Wi-Fi access to your air conditioner settings from anywhere in the world. Further, this model has a number of features to reduce operational noise, protect the unit from damage, and increase longevity.

• Compressor: Variable-speed swing
• SEER: Up to 18
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 57
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Homeowners looking for a powerful high-efficiency air conditioner that will reduce hot/cold spots, lower energy bills, manage moisture well, and operate quietly. This model has a high-efficiency SEER, low decibel rating, easy installation and maintenance, and Daikin One+ compatibility. However, the lack of ENERGY STAR certification could mean it’s not eligible for certain rebates.

DX20VC

Read Full Daikin DX20VC Review

The DX20VC is the highest efficiency air conditioner in Daikin’s line, with a SEER rating of 24.5 that earned it the ENERGY STAR most efficient 2021 award. This variable-speed model is compatible with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, is designed for quiet operation, and has a special powder-paint finish that increases the unit’s durability and protects it from UV rays. The ultra-high-efficiency DX20VC also has inverter technology to eliminate temperature swings, a self-diagnostics system, and a multi-speed ECM condenser fan motor that’s quiet and efficient. Although the DX20VC is impressive in terms of features and efficiency, it’s going to be more powerful than most Canadians need for summer, and the lack of additional energy savings might not justify the extra cost.

• Compressor: Variable-speed swing or scroll
• SEER: Up to 24.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 57
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: People who live in hotter climates with longer summers, such as the Southern United States, and who need a powerful, highly efficient air conditioner to stay comfortable through the summer months. The DX20VC will cost a lot more because of how efficient it is, and it probably won’t produce energy savings high enough to make it worthwhile for most Canadians.

DX18TC

Read Full Daikin DX18TC Review

A premium model in Daikin’s product line, the DX18TC has a great efficiency rating and even temperature control thanks to the two-stage Copeland UltraTech scroll compressor. It was awarded the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2021 because of the SEER of 19, though this may be a more powerful and efficient air conditioner than most Canadians need. However, if you have high cooling demands in the summer and are looking for a powerful air conditioner, then the DX18TC has a lot to offer. It has been designed for quiet performance and durability, and it boasts Copeland CoreSense self-diagnostics, a fantastic warranty, an efficient EMC motor, design features to ensure longevity, and compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat.

• Compressor: Two-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 19
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 68
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: Canadians who want an efficient and robust air conditioner with a lot of cooling power. The two-stage DX18TC promises more power than most Canadians will probably need, and it’s going to cost a little more, but it will deliver great energy savings, consistent and quiet cooling, excellent warranty protection, and high rebate eligibility.

DX16TC

Read Full Daikin DX16TC Review

An argument could be made that the DX16TC offers Canadian homeowners the best value of any Daikin air conditioner. It has a highly efficient two-stage scroll compressor, ENERGY STAR certification, a fantastic warranty, compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, and a lot of great design features to reduce noise and increase longevity. It’s also at the lower end of their premium-tier units, so it’s going to be more cost-effective. Furthermore, it’s going to save you plenty on energy bills, it’s in the perfect 16- to 18-SEER range for Canada, it will have high rebate eligibility, and it should be powerful and efficient enough to cool any home.

• Compressor: Two-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 17
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 70
• Tier: Premium
• Ideal for: People who are concerned with getting a lot of value for their money and are looking to invest in a high-quality, high-efficiency air conditioner that will reduce summer cooling costs, provide consistent temperatures throughout the house, and will probably qualify for rebates. The two-stage compressor and other great design features make this unit ideal for people with higher cooling demands who want to reduce their energy bills.

DX16SA

Read Full Daikin DX16SA Review

The DX16SA has a SEER rating of 16, making it Daikin’s only value-tier air conditioner with a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR qualifying SEER. It’s equipped with a highly efficient single-stage scroll compressor, in-line filter drier, and sound-control top for quiet and reliable cooling. It has been designed to withstand the elements, and it comes with the Copeland CoreSense advanced diagnostics and monitoring technology. This model is backed by an excellent warranty, so you know Daikin has taken steps to ensure it will last. Along with being an affordable value-tier air conditioner, the DX16SA will also save you plenty on energy bills, and it could qualify for high-efficiency rebates.

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 16
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 71.5
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Homeowners who are looking for an air conditioner that offers good value. The DX16SA has a good balance between cost, efficiency, energy-savings, and features. It’s a more basic single-stage model, but it has a more efficient scroll compressor, self-diagnostics, a great warranty, a high-efficiency SEER, and ENERGY STAR certification, so it will save on energy bills and might be eligible for rebates.

DX14SA

Read Full Daikin DX14SA Review

The DX14SA is an entry-level model, but it’s a little more efficient and sophisticated than some of the brand’s most basic units. It has a single-stage compressor and single-speed condenser fan motor, but it has some perks and advantages in terms of design specifications and features. This model comes with self-diagnostics to help with repairs, features to ease installation and maintenance, sound-reducing design elements, and a fantastic warranty. One important consideration is the fact that the 15.5 SEER isn't quite considered high efficiency. Not only does that mean you'll save a little less on energy bills, but it also means this unit might be best for smaller spaces or milder climates. Plus, the lack of ENERGY STAR certification could reduce rebate eligibility.

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 15.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 70
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Anybody looking for a moderately efficient air conditioner at an affordable price. The single-stage compressor and SEER of 15.5 will work well if you live in a smaller space, a temperate part of the country, or don’t want your home super cool in summer. If this air conditioner works for your home, then it will provide dependable, warranty-backed operation and cost-saving cooling.

DX14SN

Read Full Daikin DX14SN Review

One of the more affordable air conditioners in the Daikin line is the DX14SN, which has a SEER rating of 15.5. It’s also equipped with a single-speed PSC condenser fan motor, so it’s one of the more basic models Daikin offers, but it still has a great warranty. Although this model falls a little short of the 16 to 18 SEER range that’s generally best for Canada, the DX14SN should still be powerful and efficient enough for many homes, especially smaller houses or ones in milder parts of the country. This unit doesn’t have ENERGY STAR certification, so it may not qualify for high-efficiency rebates, but as long as it’s installed in the right home, it should still save you on energy bills compared to an older standard-efficiency air conditioner.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 15.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 71
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Homeowners who are looking for a relatively affordable standard air conditioner that promises lasting operation and decent energy savings. This model has been equipped with plenty of features to protect it from damage and the elements, and it comes with excellent warranty protection. It may work best in homes with lower cooling demands, but it will still help to reduce summer energy costs.

DX13SA

Read Full Daikin DX13SA Review

The DX13SA is one of Daikin’s most basic and most affordable air conditioners. It has single-stage operation and a mid-efficiency SEER of 14.5, so it may not qualify for high-efficiency rebates, it won’t save you as much compared to a high-SEER model, and it will be best suited for spaces with lower summer cooling demands. That said, if the DX13SA is powerful and efficient enough for your needs, then it should prove to be a reliable and lasting air conditioner. It has some great design elements to increase longevity and durability, and it’s backed by a great warranty that exceeds what many other manufacturers offer.

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 14.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 71
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Canadians living in smaller homes or milder parts of the country who have lower cooling demands than people in larger homes are areas that have extended periods of high heat or humidity. This is a relatively affordable air conditioner because it has single-stage operation, a mid-efficiency SEER, no ENERGY STAR, and no compatibility with Daikin’s premium technologies.

DX13SN

Read Full Daikin DX13SN Review

The DX13SN is a standard air conditioner in just about every way. It has a basic single-stage compressor paired with a single-speed condenser fan motor, a mid-efficiency SEER of 14.5, and no ENERGY STAR certification. As such, this air conditioner will work best for homes with lower cooling demands, and it probably won’t be suitable for large spaces or homes in parts of Canada that get lots of humidity or long heat waves. All that said, the DX13SN does still have some appealing selling features, as long as the unit is efficient and powerful enough for your needs. It’s relatively affordable and has an industry-leading warranty, decent sound performance, self-diagnostics, and design features to increase durability and longevity.

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 14.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 73
• Tier: Value
• Ideal for: Canadians on a budget who don’t need a high-efficiency air conditioner, and whose cooling needs can be met with a single-stage a/c with a mid-efficiency SEER. If you don’t want to spend a lot on a quality air conditioner and live in a smaller home or milder part of the country, then the DX13SN could be a great option to consider.

Daikin’s Quietest Air Conditioners

Air conditioner manufacturers have been focusing more and more on developing technologies and components that reduce operational noise. As a result, air conditioners—especially premium-tier ones—are becoming quieter and quieter.

Daikin uses things like acoustically engineered high-density foam compressor sound blankets and sound-control tops on their cabinets to reduce noise levels.

Beyond that, components like two-stage, variable-speed, and scroll compressors are naturally quieter than traditional single-stage ones. Similarly, multi-speed condenser fan motors are quieter than single-speed alternatives.

As such, three Daikin air conditioners in particular offer good sound performance, and their quietest models are:

• The Daikin Fit, with sound levels as low as 57
• The DX20VC, with sound levels as low as 57
• The DX18TC, with sound levels as low as 68

To give you a frame of reference, 60 decibels is roughly the same noise level as background music or a normal conversation.

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Exclusive Features from Daikin

Daikin Inverter Technology

How Daikin describes it: Inverter technology provides comfort without compromise and prevents the uncomfortable temperature swings that you usually experience with non-inverter HVAC systems.

Inverter technology is like cruise control that automatically adjusts speed based on road conditions, so it promises consistent temperatures, efficiency and energy savings, and a comfortable home.

What it is in plain language: Inverter technology refers to the electronic device that controls the compressor’s motor speed in Daikin’s variable-speed air conditioners.

Motor speed directly impacts an air conditioner’s cooling output and controls the temperature of your home. The inverter reacts to changes in temperature and humidity levels and makes automatic adjustments accordingly. With inverter technology, the cooling system is always working to keep your home at the perfect temperature.

Therefore, the Daikin inverter system is an energy-saving technology that provides your home with steadier temperatures.

Is it more than just hype? Inverters can improve the efficiency of an air conditioner and increase energy savings, as well as improve temperature consistency throughout the house.

Variable-speed air conditioners with inverter technology are some of the most efficient and powerful ones on the market, and they promise a steady flow of cooling comfort.

However, Daikin is far from the only brand to offer inverter technology. Toshiba was the first to introduce an air conditioner with an inverter back in the early 1980s. Since then, many manufacturers have adopted the technology, from economy brands like Goodman and KeepRite to premium brands like Lennox and Carrier.

Daikin One+

How Daikin describes it: An intelligent home air controller that’s cloud-connected and offers a sophisticated option to control temperature, humidity, and air quality.

What it is in plain language: In short, Daikin One+ is a smart thermostat. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, so you can connect to your HVAC system remotely and control ventilation, temperature, and humidity settings on the go, from anywhere in the world.

Unlike a conventional thermostat, Daikin One+ has some advanced features and options, including comfort scheduling, energy-saving away and vacation modes, geofencing technology that uses the location of your mobile device to automatically change comfort settings, and indoor air quality monitoring and optimization.

Is it more than just hype? Smart thermostats have been proven to increase the efficiency of furnaces and air conditioners by reducing energy consumption when you're out of the house or asleep.

But like with the inverter technology, proprietary smart thermostats aren't unique to Daikin. Plenty of HVAC brands have their own versions, including Carrier, Armstrong, KeepRite, Rheem, Trane, Lennox, and more.

Furthermore, there are smart thermostats from brands like Nest and ecobee that have some excellent features, and they're designed to be compatible with a wider range of HVAC systems.

Compatibility is important. Let’s say you're interested in Daikin One+ but it’s not compatible with your furnace. In that case, you'd need separate thermostats for heating and cooling, whereas you’d only need one if you went with a more universal brand.

Copeland CoreSense Diagnostics

How Daikin describes it: A technology that monitors your system for problem areas and makes it easier than ever to troubleshoot issues with residential air conditioning systems.

What it is in plain language: CoreSense Diagnostics is a special module that’s installed on many Daikin air conditioners to provide HVAC technicians with precise details about malfunctions. The module monitors the system and uses LED lights to display fault codes.

For example, say your air conditioner isn't working the way it should but you don’t know why. When an HVAC technician comes in to assess the problem, they can simply look at the LED fault code display to get a good idea of what's wrong.

Is it more than just hype? Self-diagnostic systems eliminate guesswork from HVAC repairs and make fixing problems faster and easier. Not only can that translate to cheaper service calls, but it also means you don’t have to survive without A/C for as long.

While self-diagnostics are helpful, Daikin isn't the only brand to offer this feature. The Daikin brand is owned by Daikin Global, who is also responsible for the brands Goodman and Amana. Both of these brands also offer self-diagnostics with their air conditioners as well.

Warranty Analysis

The warranty terms

Every Daikin air conditioner comes with the company’s standard 12-year parts limited warranty and a unit replacement warranty. The length of the unit replacement warranty depends on the specific model. Here's a breakdown of the details:

• DX13SN and DX14SN: Two-year unit replacement warranty
• DX13SA, DX14SA, and DX16SA: Six-year unit replacement warranty
• DX16TC, DX18TC, DX20VC, and Daikin Fit: 12-year unit replacement warranty

Unit replacement warranties are great because they offer an additional level of protection for the compressor. With this type of coverage, the manufacturer will replace the air conditioner and provide you with a new one if the compressor fails during the coverage period.

Registration is required

Most HVAC manufacturers encourage customers to register new equipment by providing shorter standard warranty terms and longer registered warranty terms.

The terms listed above are Daikin’s registered warranty terms. To be eligible for the full coverage, you'll have to register a new air conditioner with the company within 60 days of installation.

Unregistered units will still be protected by a warranty, but the coverage will be much less comprehensive. Instead of a 12-year parts warranty, you'll only get a five-year parts warranty, and you'll lose out on the unit replacement altogether.

Registration is fast and easy. You can do it online or by phone by providing Daikin with information like:

• Your contact details
• The name and number of the licensed HVAC installer
• The installation date
• The serial and model number of the air conditioner

Conditions and restrictions

Registration isn't the only thing you'll have to do to take full advantage of your warranty, and there are other things you'll have to do to avoid cancelling it completely. In order to be eligible for the full warranty, you'll have to:

• Have your new air conditioner installed by a licensed HVAC professional
• Hire a licensed professional to perform annual maintenance
• Use only manufacturer approved components when you need to replace parts
• Use the air conditioner according to the manual
• Take care of repairs promptly
• Live in the home where the air conditioner is installed

Failure to abide by any of these terms could result in Daikin voiding the warranty, so make sure you read through the warranty documents carefully if you want to keep your coverage valid.

How Daikin’s warranty measures up to the competition

Daikin’s 12-year parts warranty is longer than what’s offered by many other HVAC manufacturers, and the unit replacement warranty is a huge bonus on top of that.

The standard warranty coverage in the industry is a 10-year parts warranty, and that’s the type of protection you can expect from brands like Carrier, Armstrong, Tempstar, Payne, Heil, Rheem, and beyond.

At the same time, there are a handful of brands that offer warranty coverage that’s comparable to Daikin’s for at least some of their models, including:

• Goodman and York offer lifetime compressor warranties
• Amana has lifetime unit replacement warranties
• American Standard has 12-year compressor warranties and separate warranties for parts and coils
• Comfortmaker and KeepRite have 10-year unit replacement warranties

One thing about Daikin is that even their most entry-level air conditioners come with excellent coverage, whereas many other brands only offer superior warranties for their premium-tier A/Cs or their top-of-the-line model.

Be a happy homeowner when you purchase a Daikin air conditioner. Fill out our online form and ask for a free quote.

Is a Daikin Air Conditioner Right for Me?

Is a Daikin A/C in your budget?

Daikin is a mid-range brand in terms of pricing: there are more affordable brands out there and ones that are more expensive.

In Canada, it costs an average of $3,000 to $6,000+ to buy and install a Daikin air conditioner, but the exact price will depend on the model, the efficiency, the size, where you live, and a lot of other things.

Smaller and less efficient air conditioners with fewer features will be the most affordable, whereas models with larger cooling capacities, higher SEERs, and more features will be the most expensive.

It’s important to have an A/C sized properly for your home, otherwise the unit won’t operate at peak efficiency and there will be problems with performance.

As for efficiency, while lower-SEER models will be more affordable to buy, they’ll cost more to operate over time.

If you're working with a smaller budget, then the economy brands you might want to check out include York, Goodman, and KeepRite. On the other hand, if you have a bit more money to spend and want to look at a premium brand, then you can check out Carrier, Lennox, and Trane.

Will you be there long enough to enjoy it?

Air conditioners are an investment, but if you buy wisely, then there are ways you can get some of that money back over time.

One way is through the long-term energy savings you'll reap when you buy a high-efficiency model. The other way is through warranty coverage and the money you can save on repair bills.

However, if you plan to move soon, then you won’t be around to enjoy these long-term financial benefits.

In that case, it probably makes more sense to buy a more affordable air conditioner, such as one from an economy brand, one that doesn’t have an ultra-high SEER, or an entry-level model that doesn’t have a lot of additional features like two-stage/variable-speed compressors and novel technologies.

Does Daikin have the SEER rating you want?

Daikin offers a good SEER range, including standard-efficiency models with SEERs as low as 14.5, high-efficiency ones in the 16 to 18 range, and ultra-high-efficiency A/Cs with SEERS up to 24.5.

In Canada, the 16- to 18-SEER range typically offers the best value because it provides a good balance between purchase price and long-term energy savings. Anything below that might not be efficient enough, and anything over that will cost a lot more without offering proportional energy savings.

Daikin has several models in the ideal SEER range for Canada, as well as a few models that are on the cusp.

Remember that if you plan to apply for rebates, then high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR certification will have the best rebate eligibility, and Daikin has a few air conditioners that fit the bill.

Does Daikin have your dream features?

Novel technologies and features aren't as common for air conditioners as they are with furnaces, but there are some out there, including the ones Daikin offers and others that they don’t.

For example, Daikin has design features like sound-control tops and compressor blankets to reduce operational noise, and this is something you might want to look for if quiet operation is important. However, several other brands offer similar features as well, including Lennox, Carrier, Amana, Napoleon, York, and Goodman.

Here are some examples of other features you might want to look into:

• Lennox, American Standard, Armstrong, Napoleon, and Trane all offer air conditioners with special coil designs
• Amana, Goodman, American Standard, and Trane have models with built-in communicating capabilities
• Coleman, Luxaire, and York have a feature that lets the installer customize the operation for your climate
• Coleman and Luxaire have a built-in touchscreen that monitors the air conditioner

Do they offer the warranty coverage you want?

As mentioned, Daikin has excellent warranty coverage—some of the best available.

They don’t offer lifetime coverage for any of their air conditioners the way some brands do, but they have longer parts warranties than most, and they have unit replacement warranties for every model.

Something to remember, however, is that you'll have to abide by the terms and conditions to keep the warranty valid, and that means paying for professional installation and annual maintenance.

That being said, every HVAC brand will have similar conditions listed in their warranty terms, so if warranty coverage is important to you, then be prepared for the conditions and restrictions.

What's more important than brand?

We’ve already talked about how the parent company that owns Daikin also makes Goodman and Amana air conditioners. When you look at all the A/C brands out there, you'll see a similar pattern: only a few parent companies are actually responsible for most of the brands on the market.

Why does this matter to you? Because the name on the side of your air conditioner cabinet isn't as important as you might think. Getting an air conditioner in your budget and that has the warranty, features, and efficiency you want is far more important than the brand itself.

Another thing that’s more important than the brand name you choose is the HVAC dealer you work with. A good HVAC contractor will be licensed, insured, experienced, established, and knowledgeable, and that means they’ll be able to:

• Size your new air conditioner properly
• Provide suggestions about makes/models that suit your budget and needs
• Pair a new air conditioner with your existing heating/cooling system
• Install the air conditioner properly, without voiding the warranty
• Make sure your new A/C is operating at peak efficiency and performance
• Install any additional HVAC equipment, such as thermostats
• Source parts that are approved by the manufacturer
• Be there when you need annual maintenance, as well as repairs or emergency service
• Help you with rebate applications and warranty registration

Daikin Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats

Thermostats and Controls

Daikin’s only thermostat right now is the Daikin One+ smart thermostat that we’ve already discussed, but something else they have is the Daikin Comfort Control App. Using the app, you can connect to your HVAC system and manage the settings from anywhere in the world, and that includes the temperature, fan settings, operating modes, and more.

Air Cleaners and Air Purifiers

Daikin has a number of products to clean and purify the air in your home. These devices can be great add-ons to your HVAC system if you're concerned about indoor air quality or the spread of pathogens.

They're also beneficial if you need some extra help dealing with dust, dander, pollen, pollution, and other contaminants or allergens, especially if someone in the family has allergies, asthma, or other breathing difficulties.

They have a number of products to choose from, including media air cleaners that are more powerful than furnace filters, HEPA air cleaners that can eliminate up to 99.97 percent of airborne particulates as small as 0.3 microns, and electronic air cleaners that use an electrical charge to trap and kill contaminants.

Other options from Daikin include their UV coil and UV air purifiers, which harness the power of ultraviolet light to sterilize mold, viruses, odours, and bacteria.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

For homes that have problems with moisture control—either too much or too little—Daikin also makes whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers.

Too little moisture makes the air dry, and this can cause dry skin, static electricity, and damage to wood. When that’s the issue in your home, Daikin has evaporative humidifiers that are ideal for small to medium homes and steam humidifiers that work best with modulating/variable-speed HVAC equipment.

Too much moisture in the home makes the air humid, and this can cause warping, bubbling, and mold growth. If that’s the problem you're struggling with, then Daikin has whole-home dehumidifiers that can remove between 65 and 120 pints of water per day. Not only will this make your house more comfortable, but it’ll also take some strain off your air conditioner.

Heat Recovery Ventilators and Energy Recovery Ventilators

HRVs and ERVs are devices that bring in fresh air from outside and remove stale air from inside. Both devices exchange heat between the incoming and outgoing air so that they don’t put too much additional strain on your heating and cooling systems. ERVs also exchange some moisture between the two air sources.

HRVs and ERVs are beneficial in spaces that don’t have a lot of natural ventilation, such as homes without built-in fans in the bathroom or kitchen.

If you live somewhere with cold, dry winters, then an ERV can also help to make your home more comfortable in winter by keeping more moisture in the house. If you live somewhere with mild, more humid winters, then an HRV can ensure a constant supply of fresh air.

About the Company

Daikin is a Japanese manufacturer of residential HVAC systems and one of the world’s largest air conditioner companies. The company was founded back in 1924, and today they have manufacturing plants all over the world, including right here in North America. Their main focus with cooling systems is creating durable and energy-efficient products that provide reliable comfort during the warm summer months.

Eager to learn more about Daikin air conditioners? Fill out an online quote request, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.

Daikin FAQs

Are Daikin air conditioners expensive?

Daikin is mid-range for pricing, and it could cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000 or more to buy one of their air conditioners.

As long as you opt for a high-efficiency unit, your air conditioner could qualify for rebates that make it more affordable, and you'll reduce your monthly summer cooling bills.

There are a few brands that are cheaper than Daikin, but Daikin has an excellent reputation and they back their products with a great warranty.

What Daikin air conditioner is the best?

It depends on what you're looking for, but in terms of efficiency and performance in Canada, the Daikin air conditioners that promise excellence include the variable-speed DAIKIN FIT, the two-stage DX16TC, and the single-stage DX16SA.

All of these models have SEER ratings in the 16 to 18 range, so they’ll offer a good balance between price and operating costs.

The two-stage and variable-speed model will offer more consistent temperatures and better efficiency, but the single-stage model will also promise great performance in the right house.

Are Daikin air conditioners good?

Daikin may not be a premium brand, but they have a long reputation in the industry, and they’ve made a name for themselves as a company that makes reliable, high-quality, and long-lasting air conditioners.

They have a lot of features to increase longevity, improve efficiency and performance, and reduce noise, and they back their products with an industry-leading warranty just in case anything goes wrong.

Daikin Customer Reviews